Epic 8-Day Family Road Trip in Himachal Pradesh: Adventure, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Shimla, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Simla Times

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this charming café known for its fresh ingredients and local flavors, perfect for families.
Located in the heart of Shimla.
INR500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Mall Road Stroll

Explore Shimla's famous Mall Road, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains.
Walk from Café Simla Times; 10 mins.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Oberoi Cecil

Enjoy a luxurious lunch in a historic hotel, featuring delectable local Himachali dishes.
Located 1km from Mall Road.
INR1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Hike up to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, where you will find a gigantic statue of the deity and marvelous views of the town.
Head east from the hotel; a 30-minute hike.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Tea at The Indian Coffee House

Relax with some traditional Indian tea and snacks at this iconic café, famous for its vintage charm.
Head back to Mall Road; 15 mins.
INR400, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ashiana & Goofa Restaurant

Dine on delicious North Indian cuisine while enjoying the ambiance with live music.
Located on Mall Road.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Adventure in Kufri and Mashobra

Kufri & Mashobra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Wake & Bake Café

Indulge in fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee to kick off the day.
Head to The Wake & Bake; 20 mins from Hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kufri Adventure Park

Enjoy thrilling activities like go-karting and horseback riding in this family-friendly park.
Drive to Kufri; 30 mins.
INR1000 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Snow King Retreat

Feast on local cuisine while surrounded by stunning views of the mountains.
Drive 10 mins from Kufri.
INR800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Mashobra

Explore the serene hills and nature trails perfect for a leisurely family hike.
Drive to Mashobra; 20 mins.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea at Café 1846

Relax with freshly-brewed tea and delectable cookies at this cozy café.
Head to Café 1846; 15 mins.
INR350, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Experience authentic Himachali food in this quaint restaurant renowned for its local hospitality.
Drive back to Shimla; 30 mins.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Narkanda

Narkanda, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a variety of breakfast options including porridge, eggs, and fresh fruits to fuel the day.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Narkanda

Embark on a scenic drive through apple orchards, with picturesque views all around.
Drive from Shimla to Narkanda; approx. 2 hours.
Variable, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Hatu Peak

Trek up to Hatu Peak for breathtaking panoramic views and a visit to the ancient temple.
15 mins drive to base, then a 1-hour hike.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Tethys Ski Resort

Dine on flavorsome Tibetan and Himachali dishes while enjoying the resort ambiance.
At the base of Narkanda.
INR800, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Bicycling around Narkanda

Rent bicycles and explore the scenic routes around Narkanda, perfect for families.
Rent bikes from local shops.
INR500 each, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Apple Orchard Restaurant

Enjoy delicious apple-based desserts and local fare in this inviting eatery.
Within Narkanda.
INR700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural & Nature Retreat in Rampur & Sarahan

Rampur & Sarahan, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a delicious breakfast with local specialties before setting off.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Rampur

Take in lovely landscapes as you drive to Rampur, an old princely state.
Drive from Narkanda to Rampur; approx. 1.5 hours.
Variable, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Rampur Palace

Visit the historic Rampur Palace, which showcases marvelous architecture and royal memorabilia.
Near the center of Rampur.
INR100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Aamod Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful local dishes amidst the charming ambiance of Rampur.
Close to the palace.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Head to Sarahan

Drive through beautiful mountain roads to reach Sarahan, nestled in the midst of pine forests.
Drive from Rampur to Sarahan; about 45 minutes.
Variable, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bhimakali Temple

Explore the architectural wonder of the Bhimakali Temple, a significant pilgrimage site.
15-min walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Local Tea Shop

Sip a warm cup of local chai while interacting with friendly locals.
Near the temple.
INR200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sarahan Restaurant

Savor a traditional Himachali meal with fresh ingredients grown locally.
A short drive from the temple.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Sangla

Sangla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a delicious breakfast featuring local produce.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Sangla

Embark on a scenic drive through narrow valleys to your next destination.
Drive from Sarahan to Sangla; approx. 3 hours.
Variable, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Mountain View Hotel

Relish a relaxing lunch here with stunning views of the majestic mountains.
Located in Sangla.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Sangla Valley Exploration

Explore the beautiful Sangla Valley, dotted with colorful wooden homes and lush orchards.
Drive around Sangla; 10 mins.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Chitkul Village

Experience the last village before Tibet, known for its scenic beauty and traditional architecture.
A short drive from Sangla; 30 mins.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Kamru Fort View Restaurant

Enjoy dinner while taking in vantage views of Kamru Fort and the valley.
Near Kamru Fort.
INR900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Immersion in Kalpa

Kalpa, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Raku House

Savor an array of Himachali breakfast options in a cozy setup.
Drive to Kalpa; 30 mins.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kalpa Monastery

Immerse yourself in local culture at this serene monastery with stunning views.
Drive to the monastery; 15 mins.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Apple Orchards

Explore the local apple orchards and learn about the horticulture of the region.
Walk through orchards near Kalpa.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Royal Grand Restaurant

Enjoy delectable local dishes while enjoying the picturesque views of Kinnaur.
Walk from apple orchards; 10 mins.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Climb to Suicide Point

A short hike that grants breathtaking views; a great photo opportunity for the family!
5 mins drive; short hike.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening snacks at The Chinar

Enjoy delicious snacks before heading for a family stroll.
Head to The Chinar; 15 mins.
INR400, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Grand Restaurant

End your day with a hearty meal featuring authentic Himachali recipes.
Located in Kalpa.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Chitkul

Chitkul, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Homestay

Enjoy a homemade breakfast that showcases local ingredients and flavors.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Chitkul Valley

Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views while trekking in Chitkul Valley, the last inhabited village of India.
Drive to the valley; 20 mins.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sangam Restaurant

Feast on locally-cooked meals at this popular restaurant in Chitkul.
Located in Chitkul.
INR700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Capture the Local Culture

Engage with locals and explore the rich culture of the region through photography and conversation.
On foot around the village.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Snacks at Chikoo Café

Indulge in sweet treats and tea while enjoying the stunning views of the mountains.
Head to Chikoo Café; 10 mins.
INR300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Chitkul Retreat

End the day with a comforting dinner featuring regional cuisine.
Located in Chitkul.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Homestay

Enjoy a filling breakfast before starting your journey back to Shimla.
In-house dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to Shimla

Travel back to Shimla while enjoying the picturesque landscapes one last time.
Drive back from Chitkul to Shimla; approx. 3.5 hours.
Variable, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Grand Hotel

Celebrate your journey with a final meal at a grand hotel after checking in to relax.
Drive to the hotel after arriving in Shimla.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Shimla State Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Himachal Pradesh through traditional art and artifacts.
Located near the center of Shimla.
INR100, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Tea at The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Café

Wind down your adventure with a warm cup of tea and light snacks while sharing memories from your trip.
Located at Mall Road.
INR300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The 1820 Restaurant

Conclude your wonderful adventure with a magnificent dinner featuring an array of dishes from the Himachal region.
Located at Mall Road.
INR1200, 2 hours
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